1555day.year
John Rogers is burned at the stake, becoming the first English Protestant martyr under Mary I of England.
John Rogers becomes the first English Protestant burned at the stake under Queen Mary I’s reign.
On February 4, 1555, reformer John Rogers was executed by burning at Smithfield, London, for his Protestant beliefs.
As the first Protestant martyr of Mary I’s reign, his death marked a grim start to the Marian persecutions.
Rogers had translated and published Protestant works, including the 'Matthew Bible,' making religious texts accessible in English.
His execution galvanized fellow reformers and drew public attention to the harsh measures against religious dissent.
Mary I’s campaign to restore Catholicism led to nearly 300 burnings of Protestants over five years.
Rogers’s sacrifice was later commemorated in Anglican martyrologies and remains a symbol of religious conviction.
1555
John Rogers
burned at the stake
Protestant
martyr
Mary I of England
1703day.year
In Edo (now Tokyo), all but one of the Forty-seven Ronin commit seppuku (ritual suicide) as recompense for avenging their master's death.
The Forty-seven Ronin in Edo carry out ritual suicide after avenging their lord, embodying the samurai code of honor.
On February 4, 1703, 46 of the Forty-seven Ronin performed seppuku in Edo following their successful revenge against Kira Yoshinaka.
Their act commemorated the loyalty and bushido principles that guided the samurai class.
Led by Ōishi Kuranosuke, the ronin avenged Lord Asano Naganori, who had been forced to commit seppuku for assaulting Kira.
After killing Kira in his mansion, the ronin surrendered and were sentenced to die honorably rather than live as masterless samurai.
Only one fell ill and took no part in the ritual at Sengaku-ji Temple, where the graves of their lord and comrades now stand.
The story of the Forty-seven Ronin has inspired countless plays, novels, and films, making it a timeless symbol of loyalty in Japanese culture.
1703
Edo
Forty-seven Ronin
seppuku
1758day.year
The city of Macapá in Brazil is founded by Sebastião Veiga Cabral.
Brazilian explorer Sebastião Veiga Cabral founds the city of Macapá on the northern bank of the Amazon River.
On February 4, 1758, Sebastião Veiga Cabral established the settlement of Macapá at the mouth of the Amazon River.
Chosen for its strategic position near the equator and river access, it served as a military and trade outpost.
Macapá later became the capital of the Portuguese State of Grão-Pará and Rio Negro.
The city’s unique layout was planned around a central plaza and a grid of streets to facilitate defense and growth.
Over time, Macapá evolved into a cultural crossroads, blending indigenous, African, and European influences.
Today, it is known for the Marco Zero monument marking the equatorial line and its vibrant festivals.
1758
Macapá
1794day.year
The French legislature abolishes slavery throughout all territories of the French First Republic. It would be reestablished in the French West Indies in 1802.
The French National Convention proclaims the abolition of slavery across all French territories.
On February 4, 1794, the French National Convention decreed the immediate abolition of slavery in every colony of the First Republic.
This groundbreaking measure reflected Revolutionary ideals of liberty and equality, extending them to enslaved peoples.
The decision was met with celebrations among formerly enslaved communities in the Caribbean.
However, economic pressures and colonial lobbying led Napoleon to reinstate slavery in the French West Indies in 1802.
Despite the reversal, the 1794 decree set an important legal precedent that inspired future abolitionist movements.
Slavery was permanently abolished in French territories later in the 19th century, building on the legacy of this first decree.
1794
slavery
French First Republic
French West Indies
1846day.year
The first Mormon pioneers make their exodus from Nauvoo, Illinois, westward towards Salt Lake Valley.
The first Mormon pioneers departed Nauvoo, Illinois, embarking on the arduous trek that would lead them to settle in the Salt Lake Valley.
On February 4, 1846, around 143 members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints left Nauvoo, Illinois, under the command of Brigham Young. Facing persecution and violence, they began their overland exodus to find a remote refuge in the American West. The group traveled by wagon trains, enduring harsh winter conditions, mountainous terrain, and scarce provisions. Their journey stretched over nearly a thousand miles through what is now Iowa, Nebraska, and the Rocky Mountains. This migration marked the start of a larger movement that eventually brought tens of thousands of settlers to the Salt Lake Valley. Their perseverance and communal organization laid the foundations for the rapid development of Utah Territory. The Mormon pioneers' trek became an iconic chapter in American westward expansion and religious history.
1846
Mormon pioneers
Nauvoo, Illinois
Salt Lake Valley
1941day.year
The United Service Organization (USO) is created to entertain American troops.
The USO was founded in 1941 to boost the morale of American servicemen and women through live entertainment and social programs.
Established by President Franklin D. Roosevelt, the United Service Organization brought together six civilian agencies to support U.S. troops during World War II. It arranged live performances, dances, and social events on military bases and in combat zones. Iconic entertainers such as Bob Hope and Marlene Dietrich volunteered to perform for service members. The USO provided a home-away-from-home atmosphere, offering letters, care packages, and recreation centers. Its efforts became an essential element in maintaining troop morale and welfare. Today, the USO continues to serve active-duty military and their families around the world.
1941
United Service Organization
1974day.year
The Symbionese Liberation Army kidnaps Patty Hearst in Berkeley, California.
The Symbionese Liberation Army kidnaps heiress Patty Hearst in Berkeley, California.
On February 4, 1974, members of the radical Symbionese Liberation Army stormed the Berkeley, California home of Patty Hearst, the granddaughter of newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Despite her initial resistance, Hearst was abducted and held captive by the group for months. During her captivity, she appeared to adopt the SLA’s revolutionary ideology and later participated in bank robberies alongside her captors. The kidnapping sparked a nationwide manhunt and intense media coverage, raising questions about Stockholm syndrome and radicalization. Hearst’s dramatic transformation challenged law enforcement and legal experts when she was finally apprehended in September 1975. Her trial and eventual pardon by President Jimmy Carter remain subjects of legal and psychological study. The case became one of the most notorious incidents of domestic terrorism in U.S. history.
1974
Symbionese Liberation Army
Patty Hearst
Berkeley, California
1999day.year
Unarmed West African immigrant Amadou Diallo is shot 41 times by four plainclothes New York City police officers on an unrelated stake-out, inflaming race relations in the city.
In 1999, four plainclothes NYPD officers shot West African immigrant Amadou Diallo 41 times, sparking widespread outrage.
On February 4, 1999, Amadou Diallo, an unarmed West African immigrant, was fatally shot 41 times by plainclothes NYPD officers in the Bronx.
Diallo was mistakenly identified during an unrelated stake-out and fired upon as he reached for his wallet.
The deadly encounter ignited protests and heightened tensions over police tactics in New York City.
Community leaders and activists called for accountability and reforms to prevent similar tragedies.
The case became a flashpoint in national debates over race, policing, and use of force.
Diallo’s death prompted changes in NYPD training and spurred efforts toward greater transparency.
The incident remains a powerful symbol in the struggle for civil rights and police accountability.
1999
Amadou Diallo is shot 41 times
2008day.year
Civic mobilizations in Colombia against FARC, under the name A million voices against the FARC.
Citizens across Colombia unite in mass protests to demand an end to FARC violence.
On February 4, 2008, millions of Colombians took part in nationwide civic protests called 'A Million Voices Against the FARC'. Fueled by public outrage over violence and kidnappings by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), demonstrators flooded streets in over 50 cities. Citizens from all backgrounds held banners and candles demanding an end to guerrilla activities. The mobilization was organized through social media, text messaging, and word of mouth, reflecting a new era of digital activism. Observers described it as one of the largest peaceful protests in Colombia's history. Although the government did not immediately alter its peace strategy, the demonstrations sent a clear message of popular unity against FARC violence. The event highlighted the power of grassroots civic engagement in shaping national policy debates.
2008
Colombia
FARC
A million voices against the FARC
2020day.year
The COVID-19 pandemic causes all casinos in Macau to be closed down for 15 days.
Macau's casinos shut down for two weeks amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
On February 4, 2020, the Macanese government ordered a 15-day shutdown of all casinos in Macau to curb the spread of COVID-19. As the world's largest gambling hub, Macau relies heavily on gaming revenue to support its economy. The temporary closures marked the first time gaming operations were suspended in the territory's history. Local officials implemented health screenings, social distancing measures, and travel restrictions alongside the casino shutdowns. The move was praised for helping limit viral transmission but dealt a severe blow to workers, businesses, and government coffers. By mid-February, casinos began to reopen with strict occupancy limits and enhanced sanitation protocols. The closures underscored the pandemic's far-reaching impact on global tourism and finance.
2020
COVID-19 pandemic
Macau
2025day.year
Ten people are killed in a mass shooting at an adult education centre in Örebro, Sweden.
A mass shooting at an adult education centre in Örebro kills ten people.
On February 4, 2025, an assailant opened fire at an adult education centre in Örebro, Sweden, killing ten people. The unexpected mass shooting sent shockwaves through the community of learners and educators. Witnesses described scenes of panic as students and staff scrambled for cover. Police arrived within minutes, neutralized the threat, and began an investigation into motives. The incident sparked national debate over gun control and security measures at public institutions. In the aftermath, vigils were held to honor the victims and support their families. Authorities launched a review of emergency response protocols for education facilities.
2025
a mass shooting
an adult education centre
Örebro